Messi and Inter Miami Chase Historic Second Leagues Cup Crown Against Seattle Sounders

Inter Miami's most memorable achievements have occurred during Leagues Cup competitions, and the club aims to create additional memorable moments when they travel to face Seattle Sounders FC in Sunday evening's 2025 championship match at Lumen Field.

The Florida-based team is pursuing their third trophy overall and their second Leagues Cup title, having previously captured the 2023 tournament during the initial period following Lionel Messi's free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.

Two seasons on, they will encounter a Sounders squad that boasts eight championships throughout their existence. However, the Western Conference club hasn't appeared in a championship game since capturing the 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup, a competition that both clubs have now secured qualification for in 2026 through their advancement to the Leagues Cup championship.

Here's the potential formation Javier Mascherano might deploy for this crucial championship encounter.

Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Seattle Sounders FC

GK: Oscar Ustari—The experienced shot-stopper recorded three saves during the semifinal victory over Orlando City.

RB: Marcelo Weigandt—The ex-Boca Juniors fullback seeks to capture his seventh career title, having claimed the Supporters' Shield with Miami after securing five championships with Boca Juniors.

CB: Gonzalo Luján—The 24-year-old center-back successfully completed all 41 of his pass attempts in the semifinal, becoming the sole player to feature for more than 60 minutes without an errant pass.

CB: Maxi Falcón—Following an inconsistent beginning to the campaign, the Paraguayan center-back has contributed to stabilizing Miami's defensive unit.

LB: Jordi Alba—Possessing 22 career trophies, Alba aims to secure his third title with the Herons after contributing significantly to their Supporters' Shield and Leagues Cup triumphs.

CDM: Rodrigo De Paul—The 2022 World Cup winner previously encountered the Sounders during the FIFA Club World Cup while representing Atlético Madrid.

CDM: Sergio Busquets—Having achieved success with Spain and FC Barcelona, Busquets seeks to append another championship to his distinguished collection.

RW: Telasco Segovia—The Argentine attacking midfielder netted a crucial goal during injury time against Orlando City to clinch the semifinal with a 3–1 result.

AM: Lionel Messi—Despite battling fitness concerns, Messi has displayed excellent form for Miami and aims to expand his record-breaking trophy collection to 46 titles against the Sounders.

LW: Baltasar Rodríguez—Though not his typical role, Rodríguez performed admirably against Orlando and delivered a spectacular strike against D.C. United in last weekend's MLS fixture.

ST: Luis Suárez—With possible retirement approaching, Suárez pursues his 22nd career trophy and hopes to add to his three tournament goals thus far.